We had a major crisis Wednesday. Eva's preschool has had four really good teachers leave within the past six weeks or so. As a former preschool teacher and director, this raised a major red flag for me. So, I picked up the phone and asked to speak to the director. I didn't want to come right out and say "What on earth is going on?", so I started the conversation by expressing my concern about so many key staff members leaving, two of whom who were very special to Eva. I asked her if she had any advice on how to help a child adjust to such a dramatic and critical change in her life.
Long pause. Sound of crickets chirping. Finally, the director cleared her throat and said,"No. Not really." Ok, that wasn't the response I was expecting. I stayed quiet on my end, figuring she would eventually say something else. And she did. "We are closing down the school in 30 days. I just mailed out a letter to all the parents today".
I tell you, my head was reeling. Now I was the speechless one. All I could think of was, "What will we do? Who will care for Eva while we are at work in the mornings? How will Eva cope with not seeing not only her favorite teachers, but her friends, and her routine?" I could not get off the phone fast enough. My second thought was a prayer of thanks that had I gotten a head's up in advance of the letter coming in the mail. There are going to be over 20 or more families desperate to find childcare in our area in the next few days.
There is nothing in the way of preschools out here in the country where we live. A couple of in home day care providers with extremely limited capacity and availability. What would we do? After the shock and disappointment wore off a bit, I started to get mad. How irresponsible to shut down a school mid year! What poor management! What little regard for the tender little psyches of their students! What callous lack of concern for the bind it will now put working parents who are counting on child care! I do not know what the back story is, and I am very sorry for their troubles, but this sort of thing is just not ok.
I spent Thursday meeting with in home care providers and interviewing the director of the only other school in the area. The home care providers were nice enough, but the facilities were just kind of sad, and the availability was terrible. "She could come Monday and Friday mornings, but you have to pick her up by 11:30". That just doesn't cut it. Plus one of the care providers occupied her charges by having them do worksheets all morning. That is not the kind of experience I want my grand child to have at the age of 3.
I saved the proper preschool for last. It is a new one in our area, just opened in September, located in a building formerly occupied by a preschool whose owner/director died unexpectedly a couple of years ago. I was very favorably impressed with the facility and the staff. The staff posts their academic records and accomplishments on a bulletin board for all the world to see– a novel concept to me. She expoused various philosophies on early child hood education I agree with and the place was clean and well equipped, with a good child/teacher ratio and happy children. She owns (or soon will own) the property, and said "I am not going anywhere". I gave her a deposit on the spot and Eva starts a new school on Dec. 1.
Hope we survive this transition!
57 responses to “Crisis on the Home Front”
You will survive and, hopefully, Eva will thrive. This brings back memories of the same thing happening to us when my son was three. His day care closed the same week we had to put our dog down. As you said, it was a major crisis at the time, but we all moved on well. I hope you do, too.
You will survive and, hopefully, Eva will thrive. This brings back memories of the same thing happening to us when my son was three. His day care closed the same week we had to put our dog down. As you said, it was a major crisis at the time, but we all moved on well. I hope you do, too.
You will survive and, hopefully, Eva will thrive. This brings back memories of the same thing happening to us when my son was three. His day care closed the same week we had to put our dog down. As you said, it was a major crisis at the time, but we all moved on well. I hope you do, too.
Wow! How horrible to only get 30 days notice. I’ve been very fortunate in my daughter’s day care. When we looked around it was the first center we looked at and the most expensive. But I felt they were a school and not babysitters. We went with our gut and figured we’re investing in our daughter’s future and they’ve been wonderful. It’s a chain daycare which worked for us. When we went through hurricane sandy our center was closed but another was opened and they allowed kids to come from other centers. I really hope everything works out for the best!
Wow! How horrible to only get 30 days notice. I’ve been very fortunate in my daughter’s day care. When we looked around it was the first center we looked at and the most expensive. But I felt they were a school and not babysitters. We went with our gut and figured we’re investing in our daughter’s future and they’ve been wonderful. It’s a chain daycare which worked for us. When we went through hurricane sandy our center was closed but another was opened and they allowed kids to come from other centers. I really hope everything works out for the best!
Wow! How horrible to only get 30 days notice. I’ve been very fortunate in my daughter’s day care. When we looked around it was the first center we looked at and the most expensive. But I felt they were a school and not babysitters. We went with our gut and figured we’re investing in our daughter’s future and they’ve been wonderful. It’s a chain daycare which worked for us. When we went through hurricane sandy our center was closed but another was opened and they allowed kids to come from other centers. I really hope everything works out for the best!
Wow, just wow!! But you know what, kids adjust so much easier than we do as parents. That’s so sad it went down that way with the old preschool, but it sounds like you found a good school and who knows, maybe some of her little friends will join her!
Wow, just wow!! But you know what, kids adjust so much easier than we do as parents. That’s so sad it went down that way with the old preschool, but it sounds like you found a good school and who knows, maybe some of her little friends will join her!
Wow, just wow!! But you know what, kids adjust so much easier than we do as parents. That’s so sad it went down that way with the old preschool, but it sounds like you found a good school and who knows, maybe some of her little friends will join her!
As has been said, Eva may weather the storm without blinking an eye but I do hope some of her friends will come to the new school as that would make it easier for all. Did you see any familiar faces among the teaching staff?
I hope for all of you that the new school will be wonderful. Did you suggest to the director that she hire more staff because there were going to be 19 more kids in need of care? 🙂
Cheers that Eva’s place is secure. As Forrest’s mother used to say, It’s one less thing.
Hugs!
As has been said, Eva may weather the storm without blinking an eye but I do hope some of her friends will come to the new school as that would make it easier for all. Did you see any familiar faces among the teaching staff?
I hope for all of you that the new school will be wonderful. Did you suggest to the director that she hire more staff because there were going to be 19 more kids in need of care? 🙂
Cheers that Eva’s place is secure. As Forrest’s mother used to say, It’s one less thing.
Hugs!
As has been said, Eva may weather the storm without blinking an eye but I do hope some of her friends will come to the new school as that would make it easier for all. Did you see any familiar faces among the teaching staff?
I hope for all of you that the new school will be wonderful. Did you suggest to the director that she hire more staff because there were going to be 19 more kids in need of care? 🙂
Cheers that Eva’s place is secure. As Forrest’s mother used to say, It’s one less thing.
Hugs!
Nicole, I’m hoping for the best for all of you in this situation. Life just keeps handing us little challenges, doesn’t it? I’m so glad you were able to handle it so quickly.
Nicole, I’m hoping for the best for all of you in this situation. Life just keeps handing us little challenges, doesn’t it? I’m so glad you were able to handle it so quickly.
Nicole, I’m hoping for the best for all of you in this situation. Life just keeps handing us little challenges, doesn’t it? I’m so glad you were able to handle it so quickly.
kids are adjustable. no doubt about it. Some adjust easier than others. my two granddaughters that I nanny are one of each of those kinds. Your news was not a story any caretaker wants to happen to their “baby”. It is disruptive to everyone involved in their little lives. Eva will be fine. it is going to be a period of time that everyone will have to be diligent about making sure she isn’t too overwhelmed with this change. In the long run, it will be a good life lesson for her that she meets new friends, is flexible and can make changes. I will be thinking about all of you through this transition. Good luck to all of your family!
Mary
kids are adjustable. no doubt about it. Some adjust easier than others. my two granddaughters that I nanny are one of each of those kinds. Your news was not a story any caretaker wants to happen to their “baby”. It is disruptive to everyone involved in their little lives. Eva will be fine. it is going to be a period of time that everyone will have to be diligent about making sure she isn’t too overwhelmed with this change. In the long run, it will be a good life lesson for her that she meets new friends, is flexible and can make changes. I will be thinking about all of you through this transition. Good luck to all of your family!
Mary
kids are adjustable. no doubt about it. Some adjust easier than others. my two granddaughters that I nanny are one of each of those kinds. Your news was not a story any caretaker wants to happen to their “baby”. It is disruptive to everyone involved in their little lives. Eva will be fine. it is going to be a period of time that everyone will have to be diligent about making sure she isn’t too overwhelmed with this change. In the long run, it will be a good life lesson for her that she meets new friends, is flexible and can make changes. I will be thinking about all of you through this transition. Good luck to all of your family!
Mary
wow. I probably would have been the one scrambling after the fact since I could have easily missed the red flags. I’m happy to know Eva has such a great advocate on her side.
My daughter is expecting her first in February and is going through the process of looking at Daycares. It is wicked expensive (as it was when she was young too) but also very limited..
I hope everything works out with this new place.
wow. I probably would have been the one scrambling after the fact since I could have easily missed the red flags. I’m happy to know Eva has such a great advocate on her side.
My daughter is expecting her first in February and is going through the process of looking at Daycares. It is wicked expensive (as it was when she was young too) but also very limited..
I hope everything works out with this new place.
wow. I probably would have been the one scrambling after the fact since I could have easily missed the red flags. I’m happy to know Eva has such a great advocate on her side.
My daughter is expecting her first in February and is going through the process of looking at Daycares. It is wicked expensive (as it was when she was young too) but also very limited..
I hope everything works out with this new place.
Oh my goodness, what a shock! How fortunate for Eva that you recognized that something was terribly amiss, and took action. How fantastic that the only other preschool seems to be just what the doctor ordered.
I’m sure Eva will be just fine, and will probably make a load of new little friends. Hopefully some of her current friends will enroll in the school too!
Oh my goodness, what a shock! How fortunate for Eva that you recognized that something was terribly amiss, and took action. How fantastic that the only other preschool seems to be just what the doctor ordered.
I’m sure Eva will be just fine, and will probably make a load of new little friends. Hopefully some of her current friends will enroll in the school too!
Oh my goodness, what a shock! How fortunate for Eva that you recognized that something was terribly amiss, and took action. How fantastic that the only other preschool seems to be just what the doctor ordered.
I’m sure Eva will be just fine, and will probably make a load of new little friends. Hopefully some of her current friends will enroll in the school too!
You are a wonderful grandmother. And proactive. Eva will be fine. Sounds like her new preschool will be good. And she’s got great support at home. A blip, to be sure. But it will be weathered, and well.
You are a wonderful grandmother. And proactive. Eva will be fine. Sounds like her new preschool will be good. And she’s got great support at home. A blip, to be sure. But it will be weathered, and well.
You are a wonderful grandmother. And proactive. Eva will be fine. Sounds like her new preschool will be good. And she’s got great support at home. A blip, to be sure. But it will be weathered, and well.
You are so lucky to have found a good replacement. Or better replacement, from the sound of it. This particular topic is so very important to many of us that read your blog. I wouldn’t know what we would do if we didn’t think our children were having a enriching, safe and fun experience during their day. The nights are filled with dinner, baths and homework – so I want to know that they are getting their required dosage of friends, fun and learning during the other hours. Good luck to you and the family!
You are so lucky to have found a good replacement. Or better replacement, from the sound of it. This particular topic is so very important to many of us that read your blog. I wouldn’t know what we would do if we didn’t think our children were having a enriching, safe and fun experience during their day. The nights are filled with dinner, baths and homework – so I want to know that they are getting their required dosage of friends, fun and learning during the other hours. Good luck to you and the family!
You are so lucky to have found a good replacement. Or better replacement, from the sound of it. This particular topic is so very important to many of us that read your blog. I wouldn’t know what we would do if we didn’t think our children were having a enriching, safe and fun experience during their day. The nights are filled with dinner, baths and homework – so I want to know that they are getting their required dosage of friends, fun and learning during the other hours. Good luck to you and the family!
damn! rotten luck! good news is other kids will be signing up at the same place so E may be back with old friends. she’ll adjust. don’t worry. she’ll adjust faster than the adults. ;p
damn! rotten luck! good news is other kids will be signing up at the same place so E may be back with old friends. she’ll adjust. don’t worry. she’ll adjust faster than the adults. ;p
damn! rotten luck! good news is other kids will be signing up at the same place so E may be back with old friends. she’ll adjust. don’t worry. she’ll adjust faster than the adults. ;p
How wonderful for Eva to have such a resourceful and proactive Grandma! Although this week sounds like a major headache, I am so glad that you found someplace you feel comfortable leaving your precious little one–and you did it before the holiday rush! What a woman you are!
How wonderful for Eva to have such a resourceful and proactive Grandma! Although this week sounds like a major headache, I am so glad that you found someplace you feel comfortable leaving your precious little one–and you did it before the holiday rush! What a woman you are!
How wonderful for Eva to have such a resourceful and proactive Grandma! Although this week sounds like a major headache, I am so glad that you found someplace you feel comfortable leaving your precious little one–and you did it before the holiday rush! What a woman you are!
What an unfortunate situation. But, as you say, the most important thing is the effect the closing will have on the little children. I know that you will find the right words to use when explaining the closing to Eva, and that you will help guide her through the transition period. I hope you and your family have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
What an unfortunate situation. But, as you say, the most important thing is the effect the closing will have on the little children. I know that you will find the right words to use when explaining the closing to Eva, and that you will help guide her through the transition period. I hope you and your family have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
What an unfortunate situation. But, as you say, the most important thing is the effect the closing will have on the little children. I know that you will find the right words to use when explaining the closing to Eva, and that you will help guide her through the transition period. I hope you and your family have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
You are a amazing Grandmother and Mom…good on you for not only listening to your instincts but actually following up on them. We have to be fiercely advocating for our kids and loved ones all the time…and through your actions Eva will learn how to advocate for herself, too ;-).
You are a amazing Grandmother and Mom…good on you for not only listening to your instincts but actually following up on them. We have to be fiercely advocating for our kids and loved ones all the time…and through your actions Eva will learn how to advocate for herself, too ;-).
You are a amazing Grandmother and Mom…good on you for not only listening to your instincts but actually following up on them. We have to be fiercely advocating for our kids and loved ones all the time…and through your actions Eva will learn how to advocate for herself, too ;-).
We had that happen to our Child care center too – luckily we were just using them for school break care at that time, but she only gave a week’s notice and it was chaos – teachers and parents left in a lurch. It was so sad too because my kids grew up there and we had such good experiences with so many of the teachers. Hope the new school takes on some of the other kids and is a great place for Eva!
We had that happen to our Child care center too – luckily we were just using them for school break care at that time, but she only gave a week’s notice and it was chaos – teachers and parents left in a lurch. It was so sad too because my kids grew up there and we had such good experiences with so many of the teachers. Hope the new school takes on some of the other kids and is a great place for Eva!
We had that happen to our Child care center too – luckily we were just using them for school break care at that time, but she only gave a week’s notice and it was chaos – teachers and parents left in a lurch. It was so sad too because my kids grew up there and we had such good experiences with so many of the teachers. Hope the new school takes on some of the other kids and is a great place for Eva!
Glad you found Miss Eva a proper school. I hope it all works out and that Eva is a happy little camper there.
Glad you found Miss Eva a proper school. I hope it all works out and that Eva is a happy little camper there.
Glad you found Miss Eva a proper school. I hope it all works out and that Eva is a happy little camper there.
What a stressful situation and especially this time of year when everyone is so busy….glad that you were able to resolve the situation and hope for a happy transition for Eva…Happy Thanksgiving!
What a stressful situation and especially this time of year when everyone is so busy….glad that you were able to resolve the situation and hope for a happy transition for Eva…Happy Thanksgiving!
What a stressful situation and especially this time of year when everyone is so busy….glad that you were able to resolve the situation and hope for a happy transition for Eva…Happy Thanksgiving!
As stressful as this was for you, I couldn’t help but think about the preschool staff members who will be out of a job just before the holidays.
As stressful as this was for you, I couldn’t help but think about the preschool staff members who will be out of a job just before the holidays.
As stressful as this was for you, I couldn’t help but think about the preschool staff members who will be out of a job just before the holidays.
Gosh what a stressful time you went through. Are your preschools privately owned and run in USA? Here in Australia the government operates and staffs preschools, but child care centres are community or privately run, so could go broke and close unexpectedly. I’m glad you found a position for Eva and hope she is settling in well. Kids have resilience in their favour.
Gosh what a stressful time you went through. Are your preschools privately owned and run in USA? Here in Australia the government operates and staffs preschools, but child care centres are community or privately run, so could go broke and close unexpectedly. I’m glad you found a position for Eva and hope she is settling in well. Kids have resilience in their favour.
Gosh what a stressful time you went through. Are your preschools privately owned and run in USA? Here in Australia the government operates and staffs preschools, but child care centres are community or privately run, so could go broke and close unexpectedly. I’m glad you found a position for Eva and hope she is settling in well. Kids have resilience in their favour.